An analysis of the process of information systems development across time and space : the case of outsourcing to India

Nicholson, B

Abstract

The processes of globalisation have led to a world which is more closely connected and
interdependent than ever before. The use of information technology has been
instrumental in facilitating these interconnections and as the processes of globalisation
have unfolded, whole industries have developed which are not dependent upon location
to trade with their customers across the globe. There is no industry more seemingly
suited to the notion of time and place independence than software development and the
relative labour costs have meant that some developing countries have become popular
locations for the outsourcing of information systems development. There is no country
more involved in the outsourcing of software than India which has rapidly emerged as a
world leader in the provision of outsourced software development. There have been few
studies which have holistically and longitudinally examined this form of software
development as a process. This thesis is the result of such a study. The aim of this
research is to investigate the process of information systems development across time
and space involving teams located in different countries. The research is undertaken
with an interpretivist approach and methodology derived from Context Process analysis.
The analysis of data is informed by the sociologist Anthony Giddens's later writings on
globalisation as well as theory derived from the study of culture and power in
organisations. The data collection was undertaken using a range of qualitative
techniques. The outcomes of the research include an improved understanding of the
implications for information systems development involving teams located in different
countries collaborating with information technology across time and space, with
relevance to the context of Indian outsourcing. Theoretical outcomes include an
improved understanding of the methodological, social and political dimensions of information systems development using teams separated by time and space. The
implications for management include an exposition of the issues involved in
undertaking projects where teams are separated by time and space and guidance for
moves to global software outsourcing.

Citation

Nicholson, B. An analysis of the process of information systems development across time and space : the case of outsourcing to India. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Aug 5, 2011
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 5, 2011
• Award Date: Jan 1, 1999